Inlet vane control apparatus using levers



Jan. 27, 1948. H. A. MEYER 2,435,091

INLET VANE CONTROLAPPARATUS USING LEVEifiS Filed Nov. 1, 1944 a Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR many A. MEYR ATTORN EYS .Fan. 27, 1948. MEYER 1 2,435,691

INLET VANE CONTROL APPARATUS USING LEVERS Filed Nov. 1, 1944 s Sheets-Sheet 2 HARRY A. m; YER

ATTORNEYS Jan. 27, 1948. H. A. MEYER VANE CONTROL APPARATUS USING LEVERS INLET Filed Nov. 1, 1944 s Sheets-Sheet s INVENTOR HARRY A. MEYER BY v r ATTORNEYS Patented Jan. 27, 1948 INLET VANE CONTROL APPARATUS USING LEVERS Harry A. Meyer, Detroit, Mich, assignor to American Blower Corporation, Detroit, Mich,

a corporation of Delaware Application November 1, 1944, Serial No. 561,407

11 Claims.

This invention relates to vane controls wherein a plurality of vanes are pivoted upon fixed axes and movable between one limiting position in which the vanes coact to close an opening and a second 1im ting position in which the opening is substantially unobstructed.

It is an object to provide a control as aforesaid in which the vanes are connected for movement in unison by a combination of levers interconnected by flexible elements such as cord, rope, cable, chain or metal strips.

It is a further object to provide, a vane control in which all vanes are, connected for movement in unison by a single flexible element or number of such elements, wherein the said element or elements are maintained taut in all positions of vane adjustment.

Another object is to provide a vane control inlet for centrifrgal fans in which the vanes are actuated in synchonous pivoted movement by a series of levers or arms interconnected by a single flexible element secured to said levers so that the total length of its projection onto the plane of the pivot axes of the vanes, remains substantially constant for all positions of vane adjustment.

A still further object is to provide a vane control in which the vane levers are provided with ball and socket joints sequentially in erconnected by lengths of cable or other flexible elements, together with a tension element inserted in one or more of said lengths whereby the lengths are maintained taut and all vanes are under positive control in all positions of adjusment,

Other objects and advantages of my invention will be apparent from the following description.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a vertical central cross-section through a centrifugal fan equipped with a vane inlet control constructed in accordance with one form of my invention,

Figure 2 is an elevation of the vane control, taken on line 22 of Figure 1, looking along the central axis of the vanes,

Figure 3 is a cross section taken substantially upon the line 3-3, Figure 2 and showing the vane at about 45 to the central axis of the vane ring,

Figure 4 is an edge view of the vane ring and vane control mechanism, taken substantially upon line 4-4, Figure 2, and showing in solid lines, the vanes and control mechanism in fully open position, and in dotted lines, in fully closed position,

gure 5 is a section taken on line 5-5, Figure 3, showing the manner in which the control cable is associated with, and connected to, each radial vane-control arm,

Figure 6 is a section taken on line 6-6, Figure 3, showing one U-bolt connection between a vane and its radial control rod,

Figure 7 is a detail view, partly in section, of a portion of a second form of my invention,

Figupe 8 is an edge view of a portion of the Vane control ring and vane-actuating mechanism of Figure 7' showing the vanes and control means in solid lines in fully open position and in dotted lines in fully closed position, and,

Figure 9 is a detail of the spring take-up connection between cable ends. used in the form of the invention disclosed at Figures 7 and 8.

Referring to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding parts throughout, I have shown my vane control at Figure 1 as applied to the inlet opening of a centrifugal fan or blower. It will be understood that I this i lustration is purely by way of example, and that the invention is adapable to any installation where variation of an opening from full open to full closed, is desired, In Figure 1, I indicates the fan casing having a bladed rotor 2 supported on a shaft 3. Said shaft is journaled in bearings 4 supported by a block 5. Shaft 3 is adapted to be coupled to a source of driving power, not shown. In accordanc with standard construction, the casing I has a central axial opening 6 Within which fits a shroud ring I having a cylindrical section la fitting within and having a slight clearance from, an adjacent ring 2a of rotor 2. Shroud ring I is flanged at 1b exteriorly of casing l. A vane ring or frame 8 is formed with a flange 8a mating with flange 1b, the two being se cured together in any desired manner, for example, by bolts.

A hub or ring 9, which may consist of a section of pipe of proper diameter, is positioned within and coaxial with ring 8 by spacer rods 9a and a desired number of vane rods Ill eachextending radially of ring 8 and hub 9. While the rods are shown as six in number upon Figure 2, and as equally spaced, it will be clear that the number and spacing may be varied within limits set by sound engineering practice.

As shown more particularly in Figures 2 and 3, each rod I0 is mounted at its radially inward end in a plain bearing I l which may have a press lit in hub 9; and at its radially outward end in a bearing [2 pressed into an aperture in vane ring 8. These bearings are preferably of the oilet type. Each rod It) has fixed thereon, as by means of U-bolts l3 and nuts I 4, Figure 6, a

sector-shaped vane l5, so dimensioned as to slightly overlap the edges of its adjoining vanes when all vanes are in closed position, as indicated at l6, Figure 2.

As indicated in Figures 1 to 4, each rod projects radially outward beyond vane ring 8 and has its end, bent; at an. angle tov form a crank arm Illa. The free end of each arm lilo has a transverse hole is whose axis is substantially parallel to a tangent to vane ring 8 but which makes a predetermined angle, of less. than 90 with the axis of its arm. A flexible element H which may be a cable or chain, is threaded between arms Ito and through. the holes Iii. A set screw I9, Figure 5, is provided in each arm [a to engage and secure the flexible element with respect to the corresponding. hole. By this construction, when one rod H3 is turned, as by application thereto of a wrench or manual actuation of an arm Hid, all other rods are equally and simultaneously turned, whereby the corresponding movements of the vanes operates to vary the effective opening of. the vane ring and, in the association shown at Figure. '1, to vary the delivery of the fan.

Consideration. of Figures 2-, 3 and 4, will show that the. sections of cord ii. between arms lfla remain taut throughout a 90 range or pivotal movement. of the: sectors. When an arm Hia moves downwardly from the: plane or the sheet in Figure 2; the. hold Hit-herein moves in a plane normal to the axis; of the. main portion in of said rod. Hence, when the arms Hla move through 90? from a position as shown at Figure 2 the radial. distance from holes It to the center of hub 9 decreases by an amount proportionalto the cosine" of the. angle of rotation and the efiective dimensions of the rod itself, that is, theradial distance from the. centerof hub it to arm. Ilia, and the. distance: of hole l8 from the main portion of rod to. This decrease shortens the actual distance between consecutive holes i8 and tends tocause slack or looseness in the inter-vane sections; of. element: [11.1 However, consideration of Figure 4: will. show that, while the foregoing motion of arm. lila is; taking place, the projection of the. holes. ion the plane of the vane ring is shortened byan amount substantially proportional to the diameter of. the rod, the angle between the axes; of the hole and arm Illa and the sine of the angle of rotation. By selecting a proper value for the: angle at which holes i8 are drilled and the effective radius'oi arms Illa, the effective length of element H, that. is, the total length of its individual straight sections projected onto the plane. of ring 8', may be kept substantially constantso. that no looseness develops in any angular position of arms Illa and all vanes are at all times under the. precise. and positive control of element l1. This. is truev whether said element is. a cord, chain, plastic rope, or other element having the. desired properties, of strength and flexibility; Ifdesired, one or more of the rods [0 maybe. formed, with means to receive a wrench, or turning; lever, particularly in the. larger sizes of vanerings.

At Figures '7, 8 and, 9. lhave. shown a modified form of inventionv in. which the vane ring 20, rods 2 and; vans sectors 22, are. associated by means or bearings 23* and U-boits 24. in the same manner as in the species of. Figures 1 to 6, inclusive.

As. inthe species of Figures 1 to 6, inclusive, vane. rods- 21 are bent at their ends exteriorly of ring 20,,to formarms 2| a. A pair of: socket plates 25 are attached to the end of each arm 2m by means such as machine screws 26 passing through aligned holes in plates 25 and arm 2m, and secured in place by nuts 21. Plates 25 may be simple stampings and are formed in the general form of a truncated equilateral triangle having spherically dished portions 25a and a cylindrically dished portion 25b adapted to fit the ends of arms 2Ia. Thus, when two or these plates are secured to an arm in spaced relation, opposed portions 25a conjointly form spherical sockets each adapted to receive and hold a ball 21. These balls are drilled on a diameter thereof to receive the. respective ends of a plurality of flexible cord sections 28. Merely by way of example, if 28 is in the form of metallic cable, each end is passed through a hole in a ball 27 and the projecting end broomed and soldered. By this construction, when the parts are assembled as shown at Figures 7 and 8, all vane sectors 22 are positively connected for equal and simultaneous rotation.

Figure 8 shows the. relation between each arm 2 la and the plane of the corresponding vane sector; and it will be. noted that when the. parts are as shown in solid lines, the vane. sectors are in fully closed position, while, when moved to dotted line position, the vanes are in fully open position. As these limiting positions are symmetrical with respect to the plane of ring 29, it is clear that the combined effective length of sections 28 and plates 25, that is their total foreshortened lengths on the plane of ring 20, are he same for both positions. However, in passing from one position to another, thetotal efiective length increases and, unless compensated, would cause slackness or looseness. To compensate. for this increase, in positions of adjustment between the two limiting positions, I, insert a resilient element such as a tension coil spring 29, Figure 9, in one section 28. For example, the one section may be cut and the ends formed into loops 3.8, each passing through an eye'of the spring. The parts are so proportioned that spring 29 is always under tension, whereby the cord sections 23 are kept taut and the vanes are at all. times under precise. control. As in the species ofv Figures 1 to 6, inclusive, rods 2| may be formed with means to effect turning thereof. In the particular installation of Figures 7 and 8, the rod to be adjusted would preferably be located on a rod substantially diametrically opposite to the section 28 in which spring 29 is inserted. Any suitable means may be provided, if desired, for looking or securing one or more of the vane rods in position to thus positively hold all vanes in corresponding positions of adjustment until a difierent adjustment is desired.

While I have described the invention in the forms now preferred by me, various modifications and substitutions will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, numerous uses are apparent apart from the one selected for illustration at Figure 1. It is to be understood that Ireserve all modifications, substitutions and uses that fall within the scope of; thesubjoined claims.

Having now. fully. described my. invention, I claim:-

1. In a vane control, a ring, a plurality'of rods pivoted. on respective, circumferentially spaced axes radial of said ring. a vane secured to pivot with each. of said rods, fromv a first position substantially in the plane of said ring, to a second position substantially normal to said plane, a lever arm on eachv rod at one end thereof, and flexible cord means connecting. the end of each arm with the adjacent arms whereby all rods may be simultaneously actuated between said positions.

2. In a vane control, a plurality of vanes, a frame, means mounting said vanes in said frame on circumferentially-spaced, coplanar, angularlyrelated axes, respectively, said means including a lever arm angularly-related to each axis, and elongated flexible means connecting each lever arm within the adjacent arms to move all vanes in unison between closed and open positions.

3. In a vane control, a plurality of generally sector shaped vanes, means pivoting said vanes on substantially coplanar, radial, angularly-related axes, a control arm fixed to each vane radial of its axis and each arm having its axis making a predetermined angle With the plane of its vane, and elongated flexible means interconnecting said arms, said means being fixed across each arm at a predetermined angle whereby said means remains taut for all positions of angular adjustment of said vanes.

4. In avane control, a ring, a plurality of substantially coplanar, equally angularly-spaced rods pivoted in said ring radially thereof, a sectorshaped vane secured to each rod, said vanes 00- acting in one position to substantially close the opening through said ring, eachrod projecting through said ring and having a radial arm at its radially outward end, and a single elongated flexible element connecting the free ends of said arms and fixed across each arm at a predetermined angle such that said element is maintained taut for all positions of angular adjustment of said vanes.

5. In a vane control, a ring, a plurality of vanes, means mounting said vanes in said ring for pivotal movement on angularly-related axes extending radially of said ring, an arm connected to each vane with its axis at a predetermined angle to the plane thereof, each arm having an opening extending across its free end at an angle of substantially 45 to the axis of said arm, and cable means secured in each opening and interconnecting said arms for movement in unison.

6. In an inlet vane control, a vane ring, a hub centrally within said ring, a plurality of vanes, means mounting said vanes for pivoting on angularly-related axes extending radially between said hub and ring, said vanes, in one position, being adapted to substantially close said ring, an actuating arm secured to each vane radially of its pivot axis, each arm making the same predetermined angle with its vane, and elongated flexible means interconnecting said arms for moving said vanes in unison, said means being secured across each arm at an acute angle whereby said means remains taut for all positions of adjustment of said vanes.

'7. In a vane control, a ring, a plurality of angularly related rods pivoted within said ring on axes extending radially thereof, each rod having an arm secured therewith exteriorly of said ring, each arm extending radially of its rod, universal 5 joint means pivoted on the free end of each arm, and tension elements connecting all of said universal joint means whereby said vanes are connected for positive movement in unison.

8. A vane control including a ring, a plurality of vanes, means mounting said vanes on angularly-spaced axes radial of said ring for pivoting between a first position conjointly closing said ring, and a second open position, an arm secured to each vane radially of the pivot; axis thereof, means forming a ball socket secured to each arm, a ball rotatably held in each socket, and flexible tension elements connecting each ball with the next adjacent ball.

9. In a vane assembly, a sector-shaped vane, means pivoting said vane on an axis substantially coplanar and radial of said vane, an arm attached to said vane, a pair of plates secured to said arm and conjointly forming at least one ball-receiving recess therebetween, a ball in each said recess, and an elongated flexible tension element attached to said ball.

10. In a vane control, a plurality of substantially sector-shaped vanes, means pivoting said vanes on respective angularly related axes extending radially from a central axis, an arm secured to each vane and extending radially from its pivot axis, a pair of spaced plates secured to each arm and shaped to conjointly form a pair of ball sockets there-between, a ball in each said socket, and cable means connecting each ball with the adjacent ball of a next adjoining arm whereby said vanes are connected for positive adjustment in unison.

11. In a vane control, a plurality of generally sector-shaped vanes whose bounding radial edges make an angle substantially equal to 211' radians divided by the number of said vanes, means mounting said vanes on respective radial, coplanar, angularly-related axes, lever arms substantially normal to each said axis respectively, each arm having its radial axis fixed at a predetermined angle to the plane of its vane and a single elongated flexible element connecting the ends of said arms, and fixed to each arm to cross the axis thereof an angle of substantially 1r/4 radians whereby said vanes may be rotated in unison.

HARRY A. MEYER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,989,413 Hagen Jan. 29, 1935 2,037,395 Seelig Apr. 14, 1936 2,100,481 Howden Nov, 30, 1937 2,100,489 Richardson Nov. 30, 193'? FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 500,965 Great Britain Feb. 20, 1939 

